Located in Puli Township, Nantou County, central Taiwan, King Garden is a landmark tourism factory created by Taiwan’s renowned pastry company, Salico Foods (大黑松小倆口), widely known as the “Nougat Pioneer” of Taiwan. As the nation’s first tourism factory themed around historical leaders, King Garden stands out with its fairytale-inspired European castle architecture, rising like a storybook palace amid the scenic mountains of Nantou.
The name King Garden embodies the idea of being “number one,” inspiring visitors to pursue their dreams with confidence and create their own stage in life. Since opening in July 2012, King Garden has quickly become one of Puli’s most popular attractions, welcoming up to 22,000 tour buses annually and drawing nearly 1 million visitors in its early years.
The giant chessboard plaza
One of the most iconic sights in King Garden is the giant outdoor chessboard set in the main plaza. Golden and silver chess pieces stand proudly on a vast green-and-white checkered lawn, with oversized kings, queens, knights, and bishops rising to nearly human height. Finished in gleaming metallic tones, the chess set conveys a striking sense of grandeur, balance, and refined elegance.
In chess, kings and queens symbolize leadership, echoing the core theme of King Garden. As visitors stroll among the towering pieces, they feel like participants in a life-sized chess match, where strategy, imagination, and symbolism come together. Nearby, a storybook-style carriage reminiscent of Cinderella’s coach adds a romantic, fairytale flourish, making this plaza one of the most photographed and beloved spots in King Garden.
Steam locomotive mural
On the left side exterior wall of King Garden, a vibrant mural depicts a vintage steam locomotive charging ahead. Rich in nostalgic charm, the artwork symbolizes the unstoppable momentum of time — once the train is in motion, there is no brake to halt its course. Rendered in bold, lively colors, the locomotive captures a sense of romance, adventure, and the spirit of a bygone era.
More than a decorative feature, the mural reflects the story of King Garden itself: a journey driven by love, dreams, and the pursuit of happiness, rushing forward like a train toward a sweet destination. It has since become a favorite photo backdrop for visitors seeking both visual beauty and deeper meaning.
Q-version world leaders stone sculpture
Behind the main structure of King Garden stands a playful yet thought-provoking Q-version world leaders stone sculpture, inspired by the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the United States. Rather than pursuing realism, the figures are reimagined in an adorable, rounded cartoon style that feels both approachable and humorous.
The sculpture features five historical leaders — from left to right: Chiang Ching-kuo, Chiang Kai-shek, Sun Yat-sen, Mao Zedong, and Deng Xiaoping — each holding a wine glass, with the theme “A Toast to Life.” This lighthearted scene symbolizes reconciliation, dialogue, and harmony across differences. With its wit and creativity, the sculpture has become one of the most photographed, shared, and talked-about attractions in King Garden.
Music Note Avenue
Adjacent to the romantic wisteria tunnel, “Music Note Avenue” features charming music-themed fences that set the tone for a lyrical stroll. Musical staff–shaped installations line the pathway, adorned with heart-shaped notes that appear to float gracefully through the air. Along the fence, life-sized bronze statues of musicians — trumpet players, clarinetists, guitarists, and electric guitarists — capture dynamic moments of performance, frozen in time.
Each statue is meticulously crafted, with expressive postures and finely detailed features that bring the musicians vividly to life. Together, they create the ambiance of an open-air concert, seamlessly blending music and visual art into a joyful, immersive sensory experience for visitors.
Teddy bear displays
Scattered throughout King Garden are charming, stylized teddy bears known as “Don Aberdeen (唐仔).” Some appear individually in unexpected corners, while others gather in cheerful clusters of hundreds, delighting visitors of all ages. Finished in gold, silver, yellow, and soft green tones, these bears radiate warmth, innocence, and childlike joy.
Visitors love interacting with the teddy bears, posing for photos, and immersing themselves in the cheerful atmosphere they create. Their playful presence adds a lively charm to the park, making King Garden especially welcoming for families and children.
Taiwan Nougat Museum
Inside the castle lies the Taiwan Nougat Museum, blending pastry culture with nostalgic design. Exhibits include water buffalo wood carvings, ox carts, and traditional farming tools that recreate scenes from early rural Taiwan. These displays highlight the agricultural roots behind Taiwan’s confectionery traditions.
The first floor features a luxurious palace-style interior housing a pastry shop offering nougat, cookies, candies, and traditional cakes — ideal souvenirs to take home. Freshly baked egg tarts and golden garlic bread, fragrant and crispy, are crowd favorites that tempt visitors to pause and indulge.
Magic Yue Lao (Magic Matchmaker) Church
At the highest point behind King Garden sits Magic Yue Lao Church (魔法月老), a romantic and mystical attraction inspired by traditional Chinese matchmaker folklore. Visitors come here to make wishes for love, relationships, and happiness while enjoying scenic views.
Magic Yue Lao Church enhances the romantic atmosphere of King Garden and is especially popular among couples. A small café selling drinks and snacks operates here on weekends, making it a perfect place to relax.
King Garden Restaurant: Royal dining experience
Next to the Q-version presidential stone sculpture stands King Garden Restaurant, designed in the shape of a ship’s stern. The restaurant specializes in dishes featuring local Puli ingredients and offers set menus for couples, families, and tour groups. Between 2017 and 2019, it sold over 10,000 banquet tables annually.
Upstairs, the casino-themed hot pot restaurant GOOD BAR (菇霸餐廳) showcases local mushrooms. Slow-simmered broths and chef-crafted seasonal dipping sauces highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient.
Why visit King Garden in Taiwan
Combining fairytale architecture, art installations, cultural heritage, gourmet food, and playful imagination, King Garden is more than a tourism factory — it is a dreamlike destination where history, romance, and creativity meet. Whether you visit for photos, food, love, or family fun, King Garden offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Taiwan.
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